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Day 9 Wind River High Route – Up Up on the Divide (Finish)

~from a coffee table photo book at the Big Sandy Lodge ~ The photo booth=Cell Service

July 31
Iceberg Lake Pass to Trail Lakes Trail Head – 18.4 miles

Route: Iceberg Lake Pass * Downs Peak * No Man’s Pass * Goat Flat up on the Continental Divide * Glacier Lakes Trail * Trail Lakes Trail Head at Wired’s car and the terminus of the Wind River High Route

Well it had to come to an end. What a wild ride this summer has been! My husband, family, students and school beckon. These are great things to go back to. I am very blessed.

Our last day of the Wind River High Route was of course longer than we had planned. We smelled town and that was all it took to run an extra 8 miles out. The phone booth was calling and all the wonderful little things that is non-existent on trail: fresh fruit, vegetables, grilled meat, beer, shower, and a soft clean bed. All of the things.

Thank you readers for your thoughts, comments, likes, encouragement, and support this summer. It has been so fun posting photos of our shenanigans in the wild, knowing that someone might be entertained, informed, or even that a blog post might bring on a big smile or laugh.

…again a big fabulous thank you.

Photo journal:

Morning view of Sourdough GlacierShadows on meringueView east while climbing Downs MountainView of the divide on the way up Downs MountainTop of Downs Mountain ~ Look closely in the bottom left corner a group from NOLS (National OutdoorLeadership School) is on the way up.Our last pass of the summer ~ No Man’s PassGoat Flat ~ We walked for miles up on the Continental Divide over open rocky terrain. Why Not and Wired are the 2 specks in the distant middle. I had cell service for a bit and called Dan.Big Wyoming on the divideMore walking and more big country

I have used and loved the Gorilla for a few years. I choose the Gorilla over the larger Mariposa model this summer because I wanted a pack that would not shift when hiking cross-country and Gorilla’s smaller size mandated that I keep my pack volume and weight down. Both Wired and Why Not used the Mariposa. With the smaller Gorilla, I often had extra gear stuffed to the brim in the outside back mesh pocket and I carried my tent in the outside right side pocket. Wired and Why Not had no trouble stowing their gear inside their packs.

This year the updated Gorilla is impressive. If you would like a detailed review, there are many online.

Here are my thoughts:

I love the new larger side pockets. I ordered a belt a bit big so the pockets are in front have easy access as opposed to the pockets sitting on my sides. My camera fits perfectly with extra room for a tripod on one side and the other side I stow snacks and bars for the day and maps.

The new shoulder straps are curved and super comfy. This summer we often carried extra gear for snow, bear, and food protection: ice axe, microspikes, bear spray, solo bear canister or Ursack). The Gorilla handled the extra weight perfectly.

The new Gorilla has an optional integrated belt and frame. You can actually slide them together. I think it really helped with stability in class 3 climbs, snow travel, and going up and over boulders. Plus the hip belt is very comfortable. No rubs.

If you are looking for a pack to haul a full-size bear can or you really don’t like stuffing your gear in a small space at the beginning of each day, the Mariposa model is the one for you.

Man oh man the Gorilla can take a beating on rough and sharp rock and remain relatively unscathed. For cross-country work, this is where the Gorilla really shines.

Lady on a Rock Reader Exclusive!

In addition to my favorite pack, the Gorilla, many small items I carry and love can be purchased at Gossamer Gear. It is like a one-stop-shop for lightweight gear. Here is a 15% discount code for a one time purchase. Have fun!

All I can say is breathtaking. I just discovered your blog and am binging on your content. I would love to take a trip like this. Your image of the view East while climbing Downs mountain turned out amazing! Thank you for your efforts on this blog. I look forward to returning often!

Becky, So great to hear your kind words! At the time of that photo, I just remember thinking, wow I have no idea what that is called or even if you can hike to it, but it is surely splendid. Glad you felt the same way. Hope to hear from you again on the site.

Thanks for the great reports and photos this summer … I hope next summer is equally as exciting and challenging. The three of you seemed to be well matched in personalities and physical stamina. I know you have memories that will last for a long, long time. Have a great year in the classroom and as you take your kids outside.

When that classroom gets chaotic you have only to close your eyes and visualize one of the hundreds of magnificent places you experienced this summer. I’m glad I got to experience them through your stunning photography. THANK YOU

LeAnn, I have so enjoyed your thoughtful and fun comments. Thank you for joining our little group as we hiked along. Yep, time to get those hiking field trips planned. Cool fall weather is coming up. The perfect time for a hike.

Well Hello,
Yes this has been one heck of a summer. It is so hard to capture the very essence of a trek in photos, especially when the hike is on the more difficult side. Glad you thought well of the photos.

Thank you for your work on the Wind River High Route. It is quite a route. I will have an upcoming blog entry with navigation thoughts on each section. BTW, we loved your maps of the Sierra High Route. I bought them from you when they were on CD. Your mom even sent it.

Curse your name? Well, we did have special pet names by the end. HA! Again, it is always a privilege and choice to hike through such remote grandeur. I am thankful for your inspiration to make it happen.